Nephew attacked uncle with hammer after refusing to let him in house

High Court: Franklin Dorans admitted the attack at the court.© STV

A multiple sclerosis sufferer was attacked by his nephew with a hammer after he refused to allow him into his home.

Franklin Dorans, 33, battered Brian Rogers at the victim's flat in Linwood, Renfrewshire, in January this year. Mr Rogers now requires round-the-clock care following the incident.

A court heard how Dorans confessed to the assault during a manhunt to catch the culprit but he was not arrested initially. It was only when forensic evidence linked him to the crime days later that he was finally detained.

The court heard that Mr Rogers was at his home in Erskinefauld Road, Linwood, on January 27 when he heard a knock at the door. He answered to Dorans, who demanded money and to be allowed into the flat.

When Mr Rogers, 49, refused, Dorans pulled out a hammer and struck his uncle nine times with it.

Prosecutor Hugh Irwin told the High Court in Glasgow that the attack started in the hallway and moved into a bedroom. A blood-soaked Mr Rogers was knocked unconscious before Dorans fled with the victim's bank cards and keys.

Mr Rogers' carers visited him later that day and were concerned when they could not get a reply. They eventually spotted him lying on the floor of his blood-stained flat.

Police were called and Mr Rogers was rushed to hospital suffering from several fractures to his skull as well as a broken wrist and thumb.

Officers initially spoke to Dorans, of Avon Drive, Linwood, the day after the attack and his trainers and clothes were taken to be forensically examined. However, he denied being involved or having visited his uncle.

Then, on February 3 Dorans told staff at a medical centre in Peckham, London, he thought he had "killed" Mr Rogers. He was later arrested when blood from Mr Rogers was found on Dorans’ clothes seized by officers.

The court was also told Mr Rogers now needs 24-hour help having previously been able to carry out some domestic tasks on his own. He is currently in a brain rehabilitation unit in Ayrshire.

Dorans is due to be sentenced on July 3 at the High Court in Edinburgh.

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